Montana's winter open burning season starts Dec. 1 and runs through the end of February, with permit requirements varying by location across the state.

Residents in Montana's western burn zone must submit a permit request to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality before conducting any open burning during winter months. The western zone includes 18 counties: Lincoln, Flathead, Sanders, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Lewis & Clark, Ravalli, Granite, Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, Jefferson, Broadwater, Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, and Park south of I-90.

Those planning to burn in the eastern burn zone only need to call DEQ at 406-444-3490 before ignition. No permit is required for eastern zone burns.

DEQ reviews atmospheric conditions daily during winter months because smoke from

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